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Keene, NH

Frequently asked questions

Keene, NH

Keene is a city in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 23,047 at the 2020 census, down from 23,409 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat and the only city in the county.

Keene is home to Keene State College and Antioch University New England. It hosted the state's annual pumpkin festival from 1991 to 2014, several times setting a world record for most jack-o'-lanterns on display. The grocery wholesaler C&S Wholesale Grocers is based in Keene.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 37.3 square miles (96.7 km²), of which 37.1 square miles (96.1 km²) are land and 0.3 square miles (0.7 km²) are water, the latter comprising 0.69% of the town. Keene is drained by the Ashuelot River. The highest point in Keene is the summit of Grays Hill in the city's northwestern corner, at 1,388 feet (423 m) above sea level. Keene is entirely within the Connecticut River watershed, with all of the city except for the northwestern corner draining to the Connecticut via the Ashuelot.

State highways converge on Keene from nine directions. New Hampshire Route 9 leads northeast to Concord, the state capital, and west to Brattleboro, Vermont. Route 10 leads north to Newport and southwest to Northfield, Massachusetts. Route 12 leads northwest to Walpole and Charlestown and southeast to Winchendon, Massachusetts. Route 101 leads east to Peterborough and Manchester, Route 32 leads south to Swanzey, then to Athol, Massachusetts, and Route 12A leads north to Surry and Alstead. A limited-access bypass used variously by Routes 9, 10, 12, and 101 passes around the north, west, and south sides of downtown. Keene is served by Dillant–Hopkins Airport, located just south of the city in Swanzey.

In 1735, colonial Governor Jonathan Belcher granted lots in the township of "Upper Ashuelot" to 63 settlers who paid £5 each (equivalent to $1,358.9 in 2023). It was settled after 1736 on Equivalent Lands.

In 1747, during King George's War, the village was attacked and burned by Natives. Colonists fled to safety, but would return to rebuild in 1749. It was regranted to its inhabitants in 1753 by Governor Benning Wentworth, who renamed it "Keene" after Sir Benjamin Keene. In 2011, a Massachusetts man, Thomas Ball, immolated himself on the steps of a courthouse in Keene to protest what he considered the court system's abuse of divorced fathers' rights.

Keene prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents. It is the home to Cheshire Medical Center, a reputable healthcare facility offering a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Keene Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Real Steel Fitness, and YMCA. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Keene, such as the Goose Pond Loop and Chesterfield Gorge. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and the enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Keene, NH include The Colonial Theatre, Keene NH, Stonewall Farm, and Cheshire Children's Museum.

Population: 23,036 (2024). ZIP code: 03431. Area code: 603. Elevation: 486 feet (148 meters). Area: 37.35 sq mi (96.74 km²).

FAQs

What is Keene, New Hampshire famous for?

Keene is home to Keene State College and Antioch University New England. It hosted the state's annual pumpkin festival from 1991 to 2014, several times setting a world record for most jack-o'-lanterns on display. The grocery wholesaler C&S Wholesale Grocers is based in Keene.

Is Keene, NH a nice place to live?

Living in Keene offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Keene there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Keene and residents tend to lean liberal.

What is the median household income in Keene, NH?

In 2022, Keene, NH had a population of 22.9k people with a median age of 36.1 and a median household income of $69,381. Between 2021 and 2022 the population of Keene, NH declined from 22,969 to 22,907, a −0.27% decrease and its median household income grew from $63,490 to $69,381, a 9.28% increase. From 2021 to 2022, employment in Keene, NH grew at a rate of 0.101%, from 11.9k employees to 11.9k employees.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Keene

Cheshire Medical Center

Keene Parks and Recreation Department 

Planet Fitness

Real Steel Fitness 

YMCA

Goose Pond Loop

Chesterfield Gorge

The Colonial Theatre, Keene NH

Stonewall Farm

Cheshire Children's Museum

Niche

Data USA

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